Findings All 3283 patients randomised (5907 catheters) were included in our analysis (1593 clinically indicated;
1690 routine replacement). Mean dwell time for catheters in situ on day 3 was 99 h (SD 54) when replaced as clinically
indicated and 70 h (13) when routinely replaced. Phlebitis occurred in 114 of 1593 (7%) patients in the clinically
indicated group and in 114 of 1690 (7%) patients in the routine replacement group, an absolute risk diff erence of
0·41% (95% CI –1·33 to 2·15%), which was within the prespecifi ed 3% equivalence margin. No serious adverse
events related to study interventions occurred.
Interpretation Peripheral intravenous catheters can be removed as clinically indicated; this policy will avoid millions
of catheter insertions, associated discomfort, and substantial costs in both equipment and staff workload. Ongoing
close monitoring should continue with timely treatment cessation and prompt removal for complications.
Funding Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.